SUPERMODEL Jodie Kidd was nowhere in sight but her boyfriend Tarquin Southwell was on hand to provide eye candy for the ladies.

Tarquin was among top polo players who took part in a tournament at Chester Racecourse which made the game accessible to seasoned spectators as well as total newcomers.

Polo is known as the 'sport of toffs' which was evident in the players' chosen mode of transport - a helicopter.

The crowd also reflected this theme with several members of Cheshire's wealthy set in attendance. The presence of the Bentley stand was also testament to the audience's expensive tastes.

But there were a handful of people who had paid the £5 admission fee to see the game for the first time who were drinking bitter in the marquee rather than the traditional Pimms.

Some watchers had dressed up for the occasion but there was no dress code to exclude those preferring casual attire.

And the informative and humorous voice of the commentator helped everyone understand the rules and procedures. Young and old joined in during breaks to tread down the divots lifted by the polo ponies' hooves.

The showcase featured four teams made up of some of the best exponents of the game. It was the first time polo had come to the Roodee in more than 100 years and the Heathcotes team came out victorious at the end.

Chester Racecourse chief executive Richard Thomas was also in action and despite being in the fourth-placed team was pleased with how the two-day event, last Friday and Saturday, had turned out.

He says the event will become a firm date in the racecourse calendar because sponsors Flame Estates have signed a three-year deal. Mr Thomas says polo could even become part of race days as in countries like France.